My top 10 wellness tips for a vibrant 2017!

67 Comments

Hiya Gorgeous,

Getting started can be the most difficult part of change. So today, I’m going to help you take that step.

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar?: I’ll start juicing next week. This weekend is a better time to take a walk (not now). I should put off visiting the doctor until after the holidays. I’m sure this ache/pain/lump is normal—I’ll just wait and see if it goes away. So-and-so needs me (again)—I’ll get to my stuff later…

I created this list of tried-and-true blogs and resources in an effort to help you nip these inner excuses in the bud. Education, encouragement and a pinch of confidence are all you need to take a step toward positive change today. So, whatever your motivation may be, you’ve already made progress by showing up here and reading this blog. That’s all you need to do for now. Then, take another step tomorrow—and another and another. You’ll get there. Just don’t abandon yourself. And if you’re ever thinking about checking out with your goal, check in with me—I’m here to cheer you on.

Kris Carr’s Top Ten Wellness Tips

1. Eat more plants (and drink more greens!). You may be having an I-knew-she-was-going-to-say-that moment, but the garden (well, Whole Foods) is where my wellness journey began. This simple advice has been a turning point for hundreds of thousands of Crazy Sexy health seekers just like you. For starters, plants are loaded with nutrients and buckets of disease-fighting (and preventing) goodies. And, juicing takes that plant power and shoots it straight into your cells via liquid sunshine. If you want to find out how easy it is to get started, watch this video for a peek at what I eat on a regular day or check out my juicing and blending demos. And if you’re ready to go even further, pick up a copy of my cookbook Crazy Sexy Kitchen or my ultimate green drink recipe and guidebook Crazy Sexy Juice (now in paperback!).

2. Reduce chronic inflammation. This internal hot mess can wreak havoc on your precious systems. You see, your body gets confused when it’s overloaded by a barrage of environmental, physical and mental invaders, like poor diet, toxic chemicals and stress. And when that happens, your bod turns on itself—not knowing the difference between invaders and healthy cells and tissues. Luckily, you have a lot of control over this piping hot pickle (think cancer, chronic health issues, arthritis, skin trouble and the list goes on). There are a number of ways to reduce chronic inflammation, ranging from the kind of moisturizer you put on your face to the kinds of foods on your plate.

3. Improve your gut health. Did you know that your gut really does have “feelings”? There are nearly as many neurons in your intestines as there are in your noggin! Your incredible digestive tract is one of the body’s most important systems and the bacterias living in this delicate world need to be in balance to maintain tip-top overall health. Eating whole plant-based foods, keeping stress in check and adding some probiotics into your regimen are a few simple ways to support your glorious gut. Find out other ways you can get your gut in shape and how a healthy digestive system can revitalize your entire well-being here.

4. Pay more attention to your sh*t. When your bathroom visits are less than inspiring, it can indicate that your tooter isn’t working at its best (and that it’s time to talk about it!). Maybe you’re not getting enough fiber or water or exercise. Or perhaps, you need to investigate deeper. Whatever the cause, these scoop on your poop and low-down on constipation blogs will help you get to the bottom (hehe) of the situation.

5. Start here if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Many of you found me through your journey (or a loved one’s) with cancer. Maybe you were just diagnosed and feeling lost or overwhelmed. Or perhaps, you’ve been on this path a while and you want to prioritize prevention and well-being. Regardless, I’m so happy you’re here and I’m confident these two blogs are really going to help you. First up, my ultimate tips for cancer patients. This is what I want every cancer patient to know (in a nutshell), so please read it! And secondly, I hope that you’ll watch my interview with Dr. Kelly Turner. Her extensive research into cancer remission is simply amazing and reinforces what’s really worked for me and countless others. Although please remember, I’m not in remission. I’m living a healthy life with cancer. Oh, and one last thing. I wrote a couple books on the subject too, so if that’s up your alley, check out Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor while you’re at it.

6. Get organized so you can get (and stay) healthy. If you haven’t taken my Crazy Sexy Meal Plan for a spin, um, what are ya waiting for? It’ll save you a lot of empty-fridge frustration, whittle down your grocery bill and help you eat better. Even beyond those big-time benefits, there’s the priceless practice of planning and prepping. When you attack any project, whether it’s your weekly meal plan, a house renovation or your next book, sitting down to figure out exactly what you’ll need sets you up for success. That’s why I also created this handy self-care planner. Sure, sometimes life throws in a wrench or two, but that’s OK. You’ll adjust, keep jammin’ and plan again for the next meal. And for those of you who want to experience a total transformation in the meal planning, plant-based eating and self-care arena, get on the Crazy Sexy You 21-day Total Wellness Program waiting list. You’ll be the first to know when I’m launching it again!

7. Choose less toxic products. I talk about this important to-do in my 11 Tips for Cancer Patients blog, but it bears repeating here. Did you know that the average person uses 9 personal care products per day containing about 126 chemical ingredients? That’s a whole lot. And unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t have your back on this one—most products are not reviewed or approved by them. But wait, there’s more. Companies aren’t required to test their products and are allowed to leave hazardous chemicals off their labels. Bottom line: many of the chemicals found in personal care products have been linked to increased risks of cancer, infertility, birth defects, hormonal issues (ahem, endocrine disruptors), etc. The same holds true for household cleaning products. Please don’t panic. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your non-toxic makeup bag and abode. Get an intro to this topic by watching my interview with former Executive Director of the Environmental Working Group. Then, get the scoop on how to make your home a healthier, non-toxic place (checklist included!) to enjoy your life.

8. Realize how awesome you are. Realizing how awesome you already are creates more peace and joy in your heart. That negative self-talk will fade into the background and you’ll be better able to make decisions with ease. Knowing how awesome you are isn’t arrogant, it’s generous. Because when you love yourself more, you love others more, too. I’m never going to stop telling you that you’re awesome, but if you need more self-love nudges, head over to this blog or listen to this free Pep Talk meditation.

9. Connect with your true purpose. Ok, I’ll be honest, this is one of my all-time favorite posts. It’s so easy for us to judge ourselves. If we don’t have the “right” career or the “right” education or body or whatever the heck else, we often slip into a thick haze of unworthiness. I thought I had a pretty good thing going with the work I do and the sense of purpose it gives me, and then, blammo, life took me for a loop. After some soul searching, I learned to focus on letting go of my attachments to outside markers of achievement. Valuing ourselves from the inside out can drastically change our level of happiness. Try it!

10. Work on managing stress. Stress is one of the biggest health epidemics today. All that stinkin’ thinkin’, worry, fear and anger contribute to chronic disease, not to mention how much they chip away at your happiness each day. Check in with yourself. Do you feel like the world is weighing on your shoulders? Are you heavy with dread? Future-tripping disastrous events? One of my greatest missions is to help people feel less stress and more joy. I’ve got a few places you can start, but you’ll notice as you explore my blogs and books, that stress is covered again and again. There are a variety of ways to begin. You could try meditating with me or one of the countless amazing meditation teachers out there (it only takes 10 minutes a day to feel the benefits!). Start prioritizing sleep more so that you can handle life’s challenges with a clearer and healthier mind. Learn more about how natural approaches, like essential oils and adaptogens (herbs), can help lessen stress levels. And, one more tip: If you’ve been stressed out for a while and are feeling chronically tired, talk to your doctor about adrenal fatigue. It could be part of your personal health puzzle (was for me!).
I know there’s a lot here to take in, but remember that this blog isn’t going anywhere! Bookmark this page, email yourself a link, write down the title—whatever you need to do to save this spot! And don’t forget, you only need to take one step at a time, dear friend. My extensive blog library, Crazy Sexy books, programs, free goodies and more are waiting if you need some extra support! Can’t wait to here how your path unfolds.

Your turn: What’s one wellness habit or practice you intend to focus on in 2017? Put it out there so we can support you! Plus, we’re all looking for ways to make 2017 a healthy, happy year.

67 Responses…

thanks for putting it all together in one place Kris! I’ve been following your blog for awhile and have had a peak at most of these posts, but I really like the one on PURPOSE as well. Good quote 😉 “folks are like plants – we all lean towards the light.”

Congratulations on your very celebration-worthy milestones! Great roundup of tips here. One tip I really need to put into action is meal planning. I’m always in a last minute scramble to make a meal, so I will definitely be taking a look at your Crazy Sexy meal plan! Look forward to reading more 🙂

Kris,
Just wanted to wish you the happiest of anniversaries and continuing on the path of wellness. You are truly an inspiration to others and your zest for life comes right across the page. I look forward to all of your newsletters, tips, and gusto for life. I just bought your book and am so excited to read it and make some of your awesome recipes. It’s beautiful and you can see the time, effort and talents that went into making it the masterpiece it really is.
I was salivating at the prospect of “hiring” when I saw that but realized that I’m not qualified for that job with my lack of tech savvy. I so wish I had it as being part of your team would be a dream come true. I’m sure you will find that special person to be added to your team and they will be one lucky person.

Thank you again for all you do. I hope to be a wonderful health coach and share some of the knowledge you so willingly share with all of us.

As always, excellent summary and kick ass outline to heal ourselves. Thank you so much for all that you do. I was very confused for a long time about which supplements I should and should not take, and you cleared the air. Since following your recommendations (and both books) I feel 200% better. I’m not totally gluten free, vegan or alkaline yet (just vegetarian), but I’m there 70% thanks to your help. We love you!!! Once again…super happy your doctors were wrong. P.S I’m loving the Spotlight Crash Course and thanks again for introducing us to Marie Forleo 🙂

Life’s a journey, right? My journey to better health through healthy eating began with you nearly a year ago, Kris. I can’t remember how I heard about your website, but I found it. And, it has since lead me to a world of information I never knew existed. And, here are the results: I’ve lost 35 pounds; gone from an irregular EKG (two years ago) to a perfectly normal one; fasting blood sugar from 105 to 67; A1c was 5.3 (no benchmark); overall cholesterol (with meds, which I hope to be off in a couple of months) from 160 to 116; and CRP (inflammation) was 0.9 (low risk of heart disease and stroke). Oh, and I feel great, too (bonus). Can’t thank you enough, my hero. Best wishes for a long, happy and healthy life.

You are truly a mentor/hero/coach to me! You are inspiration personified and I could gush further…

I’m a natural wellness researcher – writer – copyeditor, working on many series of ebooks (will ultimately go into print…) on topics such as you address – basically everything dealing with natural (organic/plant-strong) wellness of people – animals – planet. My first two books deal with Colony Collapse Disorder and Chemtrails/Geoengineering – working on now…

I’m also developing a website, blog and dedicated FB page for Studio Luna Press (my writing projects and editorial services) but meanwhile, I use my Natural Wellness FB page (link above) as my blog where I share tidbits from my past 2+ yrs of research – including this wellness “cheat sheet” you created – great stuff! Your talking about the gut reminded me of presentation I attended on-line during past week’s “Psychology of Eating” conference – from Dr. Natasha Campbell-O’Brien about her Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome (GAPS) protocol… She explained the process how our gut works and it can get outa whack and what havoc it can cause as well as how we can reverse with cleanse – “heal and seal” that will lead to the damaged organs (including brain) healing themselves – whata country! 🙂

Thanks for listening – you totally ROCK – I have shared my devotion and love to and for you far and wide and will continue to do so – just sayin…

Thank you Kris, and congratulations on your up coming anniversary. Your tips are an inspiration and encouragement to all.

I am a 62 year old with about 20 lbs to loose and especially around my waistline and hips. Dr. told me I have a fatty liver. I don’t drink, I am not obese and don’t take any drugs.

I am starting a Fat Flush hot lemon water in the am, and a tsp. concentrated cranberry juice,(no sugar) w tsp. of fiber, before my shake and coffee. Also started the Garcinia Cambogia to help jump start my weight loss and to help get off sugar, which is my biggest addictive habit. I bake bread and sweets, and love to bake and eat it! 🙁

Other than that I am pretty healthy, and want to improve with exercise and eating whole. foods. We have a garden and I have a Kale and fruit shake every morning with protein powder. I do T tapp, and walk.

Any other suggestions or encouragements are welcome. I am wanting to get back to a comfortable size 10, right now I am fighting a 12. I am 5 ‘ 6″s. 160lbs.

Fairly new to this site. I am in the infancy of my trying to get healthy. They were very helpful tips. I know I can’t change everything over night. Starting slowly so I don’t get overwhelmed. So glad I found this ste!

Congratulations, Kris! And thank you for putting all of these posts in one spot! You have really been a wonderful inspiration and dose of positivity and wisdom in my life over the last few years, and I will be forever be grateful. Tuning in to your posts and videos can brighten even the toughest of days. I hope you know how special and lovely you are, and how much you are appreciated. Thank you for all you do, and for all you are 🙂

I was introduced to you by a friend when I was diagnosed with cancer. I love the positive outlook and joy that radiates from your blog posts! It has helped me keep my wellness in mind when I get distracted by life. Kris you are a wonder and thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your story/lessons/inspiration/joy with the world!

Kris, I don’t know how anyone could not be inspired by you, not just those of us that have dealt with cancer. I look forward to reading all your tips on living well, and the living with purpose really hits a home run. I have several of your books, and am constantly re-reading them. Plus, your wonderful high spirit shines through. We all love you, too!

Your number 3 reason is golden! I’m a health coach and have been for 2 years now but there are still things that I struggle with everyday. I got passionate about health and wellness about 5 years ago and even then I wasn’t healthy all the time. We need to remember it’s a journey not a diet. It will continue and never end! Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Hi Kris, July 11th this year I was diagnised with 20 liver epithelial adenomas. Benign tumors that havea tendoncy to turn malignant. Orgrow and rupture causing internal bleeding. Only option is the “T” word. Transplant. They say yku can take on certain characteristics of your donor? Eeeewwwww!!!! What if I wake up hairy and like beer? Not that I wouldn’t be grateful. I have been an “A” student of ykurs for a month now. I’m feeling soooo much better. I’m so focused o my crazy sexy solutions, I don’t have time to think about my liver condition. Thank you Kris for being you. I found your documentary years ago when it first came out. Never thought I would actually live by it and relate to it. Love Kim

You’re Awesome!
I’m so glad I found you. I really enjoy your enspiring newsletters. They have so much great information.
I’ve enjoyed your Crazy Sexy Diet book and now look forward to getting Crazy Sexy Kitchen to help me to continue to get out of my food rut.
Looking forward to another fun year,
Cheri 🙂

I particularly like the tips on elimination and meal planning. Usually the fastest way to improve your health is to figure out what you can cut out. After that you’ll have to figure out how to repiece things to recreate your desired dishes in a healthful way and meal planning is so important for that….I’m glad you brought this up.

If I can add something else: practicing cooking a few meals over and over again really helps. Being able to prepare dishes on autopilot is extremely helpful since it reduces some of the discipline necessary to stay on the up and up.

Some good advice. I would particularly agree with the need to plan and prep. Over the years when I have struggled with my health, it has always been due to eating what’s available rather than eating what’s right. A small amount of time spent on planning your shopping list and preparing your foods means that you’ll never be forced to eat something you’d rather not, just because you’re in a hurry to get to that meeting or to rush to the office. By planning and preparing I know have a handle on my food intake and even if I go to a restaurant now I’ll even check their menu online first. It may sound a bit OTT but it’s helped me live clean and feel healthy.

Congratulations Kris! In your milestones post (#5) you mention finding the best MD’s. I am looking for an integrative Hematologist/Oncologist (HemOnc) preferably in San Diego or Southern California but if I could meet with them by phone or Skype location doesn’t matter. I recently watched your video with Dr. Bock in which you mentioned your Alternative? Holistic? Integrative? (can’t remember the word you used) Oncologist. Could you please tell me who that is? I would love to either see them or get a referral from them if they are not the right doctor for me. Thank you for all you do!
Cathy

Hello Kris, don’t know where to start but love your book about juicing! I went to the local health food store got all the ingredients to start the cleanse and just marvel at how great I feel already even though I have been a vegetarian all my life and vegan more recently (didn’t get the protein requirements down before though.) I am 50 and look like I am late 30’s and got the cancer diagnosis this spring for an incurable sort too. So I don’t really have much of a support group as I am sort of still in denial…

I had made shakes of veggies and fruits on my own but they had no protein nor really other benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects etc and sometimes they “felt” a little too sweet. I hate cucumbers but enjoyed your Blueberry Lemon-Aid! It was great and I ended up with two big cucumbers in there instead of small ones…

So through Wayne Dyer books I found you. I guess the teachers come when the student is ready!

Anyways two tips I heard on is an Ayruvedic recommendation-use organic sesame seed oil on your skin in place of lotions (but not on the face). Secondly, if you want to do a quick foot reflexology get those three in diameter medicine balls and do self myofacial release by just standing and rolling your foot on the ball and it gives a quick energy booster. Anyways got to make another juicing recipe and excited to see what it will last like! THANK YOU SO MUCH! yes I am yelling-but joyfully! Susanne Harrison, M.D.

Hi Kris, Have really been enjoying receiving/reading your emails. I just purchased Crazy Sexy Juice and Crazy Sexy Kitchen but have not tried anything from them yet. What the heck am I waiting for? I told myself that in the new year (of course I put it off until the new year right?!) I was going to make some serious changes in my life – one at a time or a little of everything – and opening your books would be one of them. I do enjoy the way you write and you do make so much sense. Congratulations on your wellness anniversary – look forward to being witness to many more of them.

Thanks so much for all the great info. I LOVE the picture of your awesome garden. My husband and I have recently moved to NC mountains and our 2017 focus is building a net zero green eco type home with a greenhouse and beautiful garden. So excited.

Such a great list! Thanks so much. I’m bookmarking it for sure so I can come back and go through all of the posts that you mention. I’m living with cancer as well and working on how to live my healthiest life while dealing with the disease. Take care and thank you for being such a positive inspiration 🙂

Hi Kris &team! In Spain we tend to follow the mediterranean diet full of whole food, grain, veggies, etc. But truth is that nowadays we have introduced fast food and lots of processed food due to the crazy rythm of big cities like Madrid. Reading your blog is a great inspiration to go back to our healthy roots. And this year, for the Three Wise Men (our Santa Claus) I’m getting a blender to start the green juice fever!! Thank you. May you all have a wonderful, healthy year!

Dear Kris, this is a beautiful list with all the links I could spend hours! I have been a Nutritionist for thirty years and stories like yours NEVER cease to inspire me! I hope I can be half as much of a light to the world as you are as I help people travel this healthy eating journey.
Be blessed……

Hi Kris! ?? Happy new year! During the time of your treatment did u actually have any of the pasta; rice pasta or soba noodles, or should we avoid them during natural treatment only? Is manna bread or Ezekiek ok durin the healing? I am craving all of the above but I stayed away ;))), I’m doing the 80% raw 20% cooked but at low temp. Thank u!

YAY~ SO SO SO excited to start this, Kris (and community!)!! Lets DO THIS! 😀
Naturally I feel charged to start some fresh newness after the new year, so this is just perfect. I feel personally a “challenge” is always very motivating and inspiring. I’m going to try to post my #dreendrinkaday every day to keep myself (and others!) inspired and accountable. My IG is: heirloombakeryandkitchen (lets find each other! 🙂
This will be a great segue into many more healthy eating habits to keep rollin into 2017. What always amazes me when I make myself do these types of things, is how little time it takes and how we truly can make things easy on ourselves and set ourselves up for success! I did a 30 day green drink challenge last year (not sure I made it the full 30 days, but at least a couple of weeks!) and I was amazed with how easy it was once I got rollin. Some days I would even just blend water, a banana and kale! Instant, affordable, easy, GREEN DRINK! It doesn’t have to be elaborate with lots of ingredients, just try whatever you can, friends! JOYFUL JUICING AND BOUNTIFUL BLENDING! :)))))
So much love XOXO

Great list Kris, thank you! One of my focuses for this year is paying more attention to what I eat. I have some struggles with it though. I have a small stomach, so I feel full very easily, and with small portions. And I’m a very firm believer in intuitive eating. The struggle I have though – how to eat well with a small stomach? How to make better food choices? What is “convenient” and small enough to replace.. I don’t know, some chocolate buttons and tea, for example, as a snack when working? And how to make those better choices in those particular moments, when it might not be so convenient?
I’ve come a long way from having eyes on the scale like a hawk since age 14 to weighing myself once a week if I remember and feel like it (now, 24). So now the goal should be to eat well, to have all the vitamines in me, and be healthy, inside, not only outside. And that it would be an integral part of my life, not an extra task to do.
If you have any kind of input to give, it would be greatly appreciated 🙂